Click on each picture for a closer look!
.

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in urban areas across Canada and internationally. The TRHA will be participating this Friday in a CUI session is described as follows:

“Champions, Collaboration and Commitment – The Creation of Toronto’s Newest Heritage Asset
.
with:
.
Don Loucks, Heritage Architect and Senior Associate, IBI Group;
Glenn Garwood, Manager, Strategic Policy and Projects, Culture, City of Toronto;
Barry Zagdanski, Director, John Street Roundhouse Development Corporation;
Orin Krivel, President, Facilities Development, Toronto Railway Historical Association.
.
The Toronto Railway Lands, once described as ‘isolated and isolating’, used to be a gritty reminder of the city’s reliance on steam transportation – a swath of underutilized, contaminated real estate that separated downtown Toronto from Lake Ontario. For more than 15 years, however, many individuals and organizations have been working hard to re-integrate this immense brownfield into the fabric of the city. Key to ensuring that the transformation will provide visitors with an authentic experience is the successful adaptive reuse of heritage railway buildings and artifacts.
.
Later this year, after more than 10 years of effort, the former CPR Roundhouse – already known as the home of the Steam Whistle Brewery – will open its doors to the public, providing almost 100,000 sq ft of showroom (Leon’s Furniture and Home Furnishings), and a workshop/museum for the Toronto Railway Historical Association.
.
The designers of this stunning restoration have found innovative ways to flood the space with natural light while respecting the building’s cultural significance. They also overcame numerous challenges such as accommodating construction of an extended convention centre underneath the property, integrating a hydro substation in a cost-effective way and assembling a unique set of restored artifacts to bring Roundhouse Park to life.
.
Join us for revealing insights into the role played by committed champions, designers and investors in restoring a priceless piece of the city’s heritage.”
.
Meeting details are:

Date: Friday, May 15, 2009
Time: 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Location: Toronto City Hall, Committee Room 1, 2nd Floor, 100 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON

Non-members of the Canadian Urban Institute may attend this meeting at a cost of $40.00 by registering at their website.
.
Posting by Russ Milland, Photographs by Norm Betts
.